Here’s something to ponder: 73% of employees want flexible work options to remain after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, new stats have shown. What this suggests is that more and more people are realising just how important a work-life balance is. And this does not just apply to employees. Employers are also set to gain from providing flexible work options, which offers tremendous benefits, including reducing stress, improving productivity, and higher job satisfaction which in turn will have a positive impact on other areas of your business.
Defining workplace flexibility
While most think flexibility in the workplace means remote work, this is actually just one aspect. In a nutshell, workplace flexibility refers to a situation that gives employees the opportunity to do their job in a way that suits their lifestyles and responsibilities. And although it may sound one-sided it is not. A flexible workplace takes into account the needs of both employer and employee in a way that supports improved work-life balance.
A flexible arrangement can take on many forms and could include:
- Flexible work shifts
- Shifting arrival and departure times
- Part-time employment options
- Shared employment options
- Remote working options
- Unlimited paid time off
- Family or medical leave
- Caregiving leave
- Sabbaticals
Implementing flexibility in a workplace
1. Flexible arrival and departure times
More and more businesses are realizing that prescribing working hours is just not feasible for most working people. The focus is on quality, not quantity.
2. Remote working
The COVID-19 pandemic forced employees to work from home but as things are opening back up, many employers are still allowing their staff to work remotely. The important thing is that employees do their job and they can do so equally well from home, or a coffee shop or any other remote location.
3. Compressed work weeks
This does not necessarily mean working fewer hours, it means relocating standard working hours into fewer working days than would be for a normal average working week.
4. Other options
A flexible job can go far beyond these points. There are various other options you can provide that could include:
- Caregiving leave: Businesses recognize the importance of providing flexibility for family care when needed.
- Term-time work: This gives parents more flexibility to take paid or unpaid time off during school holidays.
- Unlimited PTO: This is attractive to employees because they have peace of mind they are able to take time off when needed.
Managing Paid Time off
It is critical to have a reliable leave management system to ensure employees are satisfied and engaged. It is easily underestimated just how much of an impact absenteeism has on employee productivity levels. A poor leave tracking system can present various setbacks including unauthorised absenteeism, lack of leave planning and reduced productivity. This is why using a good online leave management system is essential — because it takes care of all this for you.
Rather than be overwhelmed by a minefield of paperwork, take control with an online leave management system that allows you to process and automate the leave process, save management time, reduce payroll errors, eliminate paperwork and implement a straightforward approach to handling leave requests.
If you would like to give it a try we can assist. LeavePro is offering a 14-day free trial, all you have to do is signup. You can also book a demo to help you navigate the system.
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